HANCOCK
Charlene Ransome Shepard died Feb. 15, 2019. She was 94 years old.
Charlene was born in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 5, 1924, daughter of Arthur B. and Florence S. Ransome. After raising a family in Connecticut and partly in England, she found her true home in Hancock County, where she remained with her husband, George. Together they owned and operated Shepard Hardware in Ellsworth. Charlene took great comfort in her dogs and cats, watching birds, and she loved sailing on the Ptarmigan and Tivano. Knitting was a favorite hobby, often giving sweaters and hats away as gifts. She enjoyed the symphony and attending shows at The Grand in Ellsworth. She was proud to accompany and sing with the Surry Opera Company in 1986 to perform in Russia. Charlene was an avid reader and treasured children’s picture books. She self-published four poetry books and often performed readings. Her poem “Long Pond Revisited” was sung at the Kennedy Center. An advocate for civil rights and peace, she participated in the March on Washington in 1963, practiced peace vigils, particularly during the Vietnam War, and furthered her connection with Society of Friends. Nicknamed “The Queen” by Bill Rowell, she offered wisdom and comments to whomever her presence graced until her very last days.
Charlene was predeceased by her husband, George F. Shepard, and her sister Joan Dickson. She will be greatly missed by her children Peter and partner Victoria of New Hampshire, and his children Adam, Caleb, Noah and their mother, Judi, Devin and Morgan and their mother, Rhonda; David and partner Tamara of Ellsworth and his children Lindsay and Jennifer and their mother, Ronaele; Robin and husband, David, of Jonesport and their daughter Nell; Michael and wife, Heidi, of Naples and his children Nathan and Daniel and their mother, Cat; nieces Candice, and Victoria and her husband, Bryan. Charlene leaves her great-grandsons, Jasper and Ezra, Alexander, Sawyer and Thatcher, Miles, Wyatt and Blake, and her great-granddaughter Milei.
A memorial gathering will be held April 20 at 1 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Ellsworth, followed by a reception.